Injuries and unfavorable comparisons to Jonny Wilkinson punctured the confidence of Hodgson, who even drew hate mail after his missed kicks compounded England's misery in last year's Six Nations.
But with no return in sight for the injury-plagued Wilkinson -- not seen in an England jersey since 2003 -- reality meant his shadow no longer loomed over Hodgson, whose deft hands and eye for the gap have made former France captain Philippe Saint-Andre believe he was ready to become a Six Nations star.
"Wilkinson is a fantastic player but Charlie is better," said Saint-Andre, the director of rugby at Hodgson's Sale Sharks club.
"To say Charlie is the best flyhalf in the world at the moment is really difficult because [New Zealand's] Daniel Carter is such a wonderful flyhalf.
Hodgson's kicking ability and vision with the ball in his hands could transform England from a team heavily dependent on its powerful pack to a side that makes the best use of all 15 players.
In Mark Cueto, Josh Lewsey and Ben Cohen, England has backs capable of racing through defenses, and Hodgson has the ability to set them up.
"Now everyone knows that Charlie will start with the No. 10 jersey for England which will be a big boost for him," Saint-Andre said.
"It will give him confidence and he will manage the team.
"The players around him are full of confidence for Charlie, and I think he will be the key man for England in this Six Nations and will be their matchwinner."
Coach Andy Robinson has recalled vastly experienced former England captain Lawrence Dallaglio to the squad. The backrow star broke his ankle during the British Lions tour but has returned to top form with Wasps, and his ability as a dominating force in the rucks and mauls will give England even more power and stability.
Steve Thompson remains one of the best hookers in the game and the 1.93m, 121kg Andrew Sheridan is emerging as a huge force at loosehead prop.
If the heaviest pack in world rugby can maintain its consistency and Hodgson uses possession creatively, England has a strong chance of regaining the title.
Their first test is on Saturday when defending champion Wales visit.
"We will have a highly charged [Wales] side that will be full of confidence coming to Twickenham," Robinson said. "Because of the way they have played over the last year, they've grown some belief. What is important to us is that Twickenham is a fortress, and it is now time to re-establish that. It is important for us to match whatever Wales have got."
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